Safety wire vs. cotter pins on front/rear axle?

[Dom]

I'm using cotter pins(the hairpin type things that you stick thru and bend up) because I'm too cheap to buy a $20 roll of safety wire.  And opinions either way?

[GeeP]

Cotter pins are just as effective if the right size is used and they're installed properly.  Safety wire just looks cooler.   :lol:

[pantablo]

safety wiring is only a requirement at the racetrack, and some trackdays. Cotter pins are fine.

[dgyver]

Probably better off with the cotter pin instead of safety wire for securing the axle nuts.

I use a cotter pin on the rear axle of my TLR. Eventually I will change it to a hitch pin (kind of looks like a safety pin). The front axle has safety wire. My GS has hitch pins on the front & rear axles as well as the front caliper bolts. These wheels get changed a lot.

[Kerry]

I need to try the hitch pin I bought a while ago.  I guess my wheels don't get changed a lot lately ( ) so the opportunity hasn't come up yet.

Meanwhile, the cotter pins in that picture are about 1/2" longer than they need to be...

... unless you like to bend them around the axle just for kicks.

PS - If the bike comes stock with cotter pins they had better be sufficient!

[Dom]

Kerry, why didn't you shell out the extra $0.15 and get the stainless instead of the zinc?  Splurge a little, you deserve it!   :lol:

[gs500fromnb]

what cotter pins  :lol: